Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray faced each other 36 times throughout their tennis careers, mostly in finals and often at the business end of a grand slam. But at this year’s Australian Open, their decades-long rivalry has taken an unexpected turn.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have known each other for a quarter of a century. They played from the age of 12, meeting 36 times as professionals, including 10 Grand Slam matches.

Murray, who retired in August, jokingly blames Djokovic as the main reason he never captured an Australian Open title.

A significant change in tennis rules for 2025 has made Novak Djokovic 's hiring of Andy Murray a stroke of genius. Players can now receive 'brief and discreet instructions between points and during changeovers' from their corner. And none of Djokovic's rivals have a brainbox like Murray in their box.

If Novak Djokovic Wins Australian Open, Andy Murray Would Be ‘Flooded With Coaching Requests,’ John McEnroe Says

Andy Murray had entrenched himself in a different sport before receiving a "surprise" call from Novak Djokovic, asking for his expertise at the Australian Open.

"Provided he’s giving his best effort and trying as hard as he can, I’m absolutely fine with him expressing himself." Read more at straitstimes.com.

Novak Djokovic did not want to rehash — or even discuss at all, really — what he said Friday was a months-old interview with GQ magazine in which he recalled having high levels of metal in his blood from food he was served while detained before being deported from Australia in 2022 .

Novak Djokovic got the bright idea to hire the recently retired Andy Murray as his coach, at least through the Australian Open.